Kyrie Irving is still a Cleveland Cavalier as of today, but in another post of intriguing trade possibilities to stir up interesting discussion, Bill Simmons was added on to the list. Simmons said that this trade is backed up by no sources, but it does make for an interesting "what if" trade. The question to you is who would turn down this trade?
The deal
Simmons proposed this possible trade scenario. Irving, Channing Frye, and Kay Felder would be traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard and Shabazz Napier. Lillard is the face of the franchise in Portland and pairs with CJ McCollum as one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
The idea of the deal was the Irving would make the team better defensively, but according to the article, Irving has worse defensive stats.
Irving is two years younger than Lillard, $8 million cheaper, and Frye has an expriring contract. The team would be able to save money moving forward even though it is an unlikely suggestion.
Blazers Edge take
Ryan A. Sterling of Blazers Edge made a compelling case that the Trail Blazers would turn this deal down. The reason being is that trading Lillard to save money is the least likely way they do so. Lillard has four years left on his contract and is the building block of the franchise. Irving has two years left on his contract and would have no commitment to saying in Portland.
Our take
Portland would turn this deal down for multiple reasons. For starters, the Cavaliers would win this deal. Lillard would make the Cavaliers better defensively in terms of statistics. Not to mention that Lillard, Kevin Love, and LeBron James would be even more dangerous. Lillard averaged 27.0 points per game last season, and would likely not need the offense to run through him.
By acquiring Lillard, who has four years left on his contract, the team would have a better chance of convincing James to stay. With Irving likely gone, the indication is that James is going to bolt after this year. Lillard would give the Cavaliers an All Star point guard for a long time. The eastern conference is watered down, so that trio, along with JR Smith and Tristan Thompson would make the Cavaliers dangerous for at least four years.
This trade is not backed up by any real sources, but it makes for an interesting thought. Irving is going to be traded, but not to the Trail Blazers. However, one thing is for sure, the Trail Blazers would turn this trade offer down.
